Liberian public agency screens 26 employees for breast cancer
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Liberian Investigator
Illustrative image · Klaus Nielsen · Pexels · Licence PexelsThe head of occupational safety at Liberia’s public agency funded breast cancer screening for 26 employees in Monrovia. The initiative targeted women aged 40 and over and those with risk factors to encourage early detection, according to The Liberian Investigator.
The Civil Service Agency (CSA), the Liberian public agency responsible for the civil service, organised breast cancer screening for 26 of its female employees, The Liberian Investigator reports. Cherie Watkins, the agency’s director of occupational health and safety, covered the costs of the examinations carried out at Jahmale Medical Solution centre.
The examinations were intended for employees aged 40 and over, as well as younger women at increased risk. Watkins said early screening can improve treatment outcomes and reduce deaths linked to the disease.
The official encouraged women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors to discuss their follow-up care with health professionals without waiting until the age usually recommended for routine examinations. She also called for greater awareness of the disease and the promotion of early medical examinations.
Watkins described covering the costs as a way of reducing financial barriers and encouraging other institutions to support workplace prevention programmes. The initiative comes after the strengthening of health cooperation between Liberia and Sierra Leone, announced on 15 October.
